Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, November 23, 2024

Join us for short service for The Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, November 23 at 10AM. The Blessing of the Animals is tied to St. Francis of Assisi (see below). Meet outside by the Memorial Garden

Who Was St. Francis?

Saint Francis’s original name was Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone. He was born around 1181 in Assisi, in what is now Italy.

In his adult life, Francis had experiences that inspired him to give up all his possessions and to live in poverty. St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order of Friars in 1209. They are a Roman Catholic order deeply committed to charity, benevolence, and selflessness, giving up their worldly goods and living in poverty.

Francis thought that nature was the mirror of God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters.” There are stories of him preaching to the birds and speaking with wolves.

Francis died in Assisi on October 3, 1226. He was canonized, or made a saint, on July 16, 1228. He is honored around the world with special services to bless animals and celebrate nature on or around his feast day.